Top Motorcycle Maintenance Tips

Keeping your motorcycle in peak condition is essential for three reasons. Most importantly, a well-maintained bike is a safe one. Any problems can be dangerous. Secondly, maintaining your bike can help serious problems from developing, which can be expensive to fix. Finally, maintenance ensures your bike’s performance doesn’t deteriorate.

The first thing to look at is your tires. They’re what are keeping you on the road, so they need to be totally secure. When the tires are cold, check they’re at the correct pressure, and pump them up if necessary. Also make sure there is no damage and the tread has not worn too low.

Your brakes are also very important. Make sure that they apply fully without the lever or pedal being completely pressed, and that they are fully clear when not applied. Check to make sure that the fluid level is correct, and top up if necessary.

The drive chain should be properly lubricated at all times. If it appears to be dry, then apply a spray lube. The correct tension is important; if there is excessive slack, then the chain must be tightened immediately.

The bike’s oil is vital in maintaining optimum engine performance and life. The oil should be changed regularly, but if the level drops, then it needs to be topped up. Always check the level when the bike is on flat ground, and only fill with motorcycle oil, never car oil.

Coolant is rarely a problem. If the level has dropped below what it should be, then there is almost certainly a leak. Refill the coolant reservoir with equal parts water and antifreeze if required, but the leak must be repaired as soon as possible.

Check that the suspension is working as it should. Creaks and knocks can indicate worn bushes, which are easily replaced, but can cause problems if left.

You should also maintain a regular service schedule, much of which can easily be carried out by yourself; if you need parts, then go to www.chinesemotorcyclepartsonline.co.uk for items such as filters.

They say that prevention is better than a cure, and this is certainly the case when it comes to mechanical maintenance. You can save yourself a lot of money if you take a little time every week to make sure that everything is in working order. The above checks will take you less than half an hour to go through, so there’s no excuse.